By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party ( SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo has urged residents of the territory to use the opportunity of the forthcoming Area Council elections to vote for credible candidates who will work for the overall development of entire territory.
Adebayo further said the election is equally to show a renewed commitment to grassroots governance and inclusive development.
Addressing party faithful and supporters at a campaign rally in the Gwagwalada Area Council, the chieftain said the residents now have another opportunity to redefine leadership at the local level by demanding accountability from elected officials.
He further stated that the creation of the FCT under the administration of Gen. Murtala Muhammed in 1976 was with the aim to provide equal access to infrastructure and opportunities for all Nigerians, irrespective of their social standing.
According to him, disparities in infrastructure and social services between some districts like Asokoro and Maitama and the satellite communities like Gwagwalada, saying leadership should focus on equitable development.
However, the former presidential candidate identified key challenges confronting residents to include irregular electricity supply, inadequate potable water, poor road networks, under-resourced schools, and insecurity.
Adebayo stressed that sustainable national development must begin at the grassroots rather than relying solely on federal-level interventions.
He emphasised that improving healthcare, infrastructure, and security in satellite towns is essential not only for residents but for the overall stability of the FCT, adding that socio-economic neglect in any community certainly affects the larger society.
In his remarks, the Chairmanship candidate of the SDP in Gwagwalada Area Council, Khalid Bala-Gano, expressed confidence in the chances of his party in election which holds on Saturday.
Bala-Gano described the event as the culmination of weeks of grassroots engagement, stakeholder consultations, and issue-based campaigning.
According to him, the election represents an opportunity for residents to choose leadership committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
“I want to assure you of my commitment to people-oriented governance, I promise to prioritise sustainable development programmes that will directly impact the lives of residents across wards in the Area Council”, he concluded.
